NATION & FREE WORLD CELEBRATE VICTORY IN EUROPE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe was celebrated here in the Nation's Capital and in cities around the world. President Harry S Truman, celebrating his 61st birthday, said he only wished "that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day."
In London, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in celebration. After the celebrations, Princess Elizabeth described it as "one of the most memorable nights of my life."
In an evening radio address, however, President Truman described it as "a victory only half won" as the war against Japan continued.
JFK+50 NOTE
The official 1st signing of the surrender documents was by Col. Alfred Jodl in Reims, France on May 7, 1945. A 2nd signing by Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel took place the following day. Some countries, including Russia, celebrate V-E Day on May 9th.
President Roosevelt, who led the nation during most of WWII, died on April 12, 1945. JFK was in the United States on May 8, 1945 having been discharged from the United States Navy in March.
SOURCES
"V-E Day Celebrated," JFK+50, May 8, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/
"Victory In Europe Day," Royal British Legion, www.britishlegion.org.uk/
